Various Meeting Documents - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Currently vaccinated! Our pets must be currently vaccinated not only because this is a requirement of state law (an owner of a cat, a dog or a ferret "over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies') but also because it protects the pet and the public. When an animal that is not current on its vaccination is exposed to rabies, it must be treated as unvaccinated and euthanized or quarantined for up to six months at a veterinary clinic at the owner's expense. Courtesy reminders are wonderful but there can be glitches and the result can be devastating if the pet owner does not keep his or her own calendar for vaccinations. A number of animals are now under quarantine because their vaccinations had lapsed when they had an actual or suspected exposure to rabies. Notably, titer tests are unhelpful in these situations, not least because there is no way to tell whether a high titer is due to the exposure or the animal's prior vaccinations. Cats, too! According to a CDC document, "cats are roughly three times more likely than dogs to be reported as rabid in our country, " and North Carolina is no exception to this pattern. Indoor as well as outdoor cats are at risk of exposure to rabies. They may get outside unnoticed and come into contact with the same rabies carriers. Also, bats often enter the living space of dwellings through attics, uncapped fireplaces, open patio doors and windows without screens, and otherwise imperceptible cracks and crevices. Reporting immediately reporting contact with wildlife is a fundamental responsibility. In the case of our pets, Animal Services will work with owners to be sure that appropriate measures are taken to protect the pet, family and community. A currently vaccinated cat, dog, or ferret that is exposed to an animal that is suspected of rabies or tests positive for rabies simply needs another rabies vaccination, but this booster must be received within five days (120 hours) of an exposure. Otherwise, the animal must either be euthanized or quarantined for a six month period. in addition, it is imperative that human risks be assessed by qualified public health professionals at the local health department or by a healthcare provider. Often this means that these professionals work with the pet owner to assess whether any humans have been exposed to rabies through bites, scratches, or through contact with the saliva or nervous tissue of the wildlife. Public health professionals assess the risk of rabies in people and make recommendations about the need for rabies post- exposure prophylaxis